Acetic acid
Acetic Acid[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid (systematically named ethanoic acid) is a colorless liquid organic compound with the chemical formula CH_COOH. It is the main component of vinegar, apart from water, and has a distinctive sour taste and pungent smell.
Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is a simple carboxylic acid consisting of a methyl group attached to a carboxyl group. Its molecular formula is C_H_O_, and its structural formula is CH_COOH. The molecule is polar, and it can form hydrogen bonds with water, making it miscible with water in all proportions.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is a weak acid, meaning it only partially dissociates in solution. The equilibrium constant for its dissociation in water is 1.8 _ 10__. The reaction can be represented as:
CH_COOH _ CH_COO_ + H_
Acetic acid can react with alcohols to form esters, a process known as esterification. It can also undergo oxidation to form carbon dioxide and water.
Production[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is produced both synthetically and by bacterial fermentation. The most common synthetic method is the carbonylation of methanol, which involves the reaction of methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is widely used in the production of polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, as well as synthetic fibers and fabrics. It is also used as a food additive and condiment, known as vinegar.
Biological Role[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is an important metabolic intermediate. It is produced in the body during the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats and is a precursor to the biosynthesis of fatty acids.
History[edit | edit source]
The use of acetic acid dates back to antiquity, where it was used in the form of vinegar. The first synthetic production of acetic acid was achieved in the 19th century.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Space-filling model of acetic acid.
Hydrogen bonding in acetic acid.
Acetic_acid[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid
Acetic acid
Acetic acid
Acetic acid deprotonation
Acetic acid hydrogen bridge
Acetic acid 1884 plant
Methanol formylation
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
